Every Type of Makeup Brush, Finally Explained

Your well-meaning aunt got you a deluxe set of makeup brushes...last Christmas. But the whole kit has just been sitting in the back of your closet because, well, you don't know how the hell to use them. (To be honest, most of us don't.) That's why we consulted the pros (and our 16-year-old cousin, who, according to her Instagram account, is basically a makeup artist) on some brush basics.

Fan Brush

When to use it: To apply powder highlighter or to clean up any stray flecks of makeup.

How to use it: Lightly sweep the brush across the tops of your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose, as well as, wherever you need to brush off any fallout from your other products.

Why you use it: The fanned-out bristles spread your highlighter evenly onto your skin so you get the most natural finish. And if you're using it to clean up excess powders, it acts like a tiny little broom.